Press Release: Opera for Peace 2023 Academy in Paris

Opera for Peace 2023 Academy in Paris:
Promoting international dialogue and peace through opera
 
 
Thirteen emerging singers from across the globe will meet in Paris from April 13-20, 2023 for the second edition of the prestigious Opera for Peace Academy, supported by the European Investment Bank, its main sponsor. Hailing from Ukraine, Russia, South Africa, Armenia, the United States, Iran, and France, they will be granted the opportunity to attend a week of masterclasses led by some of the greatest names on the international scene: Étienne Dupuis, Thomas Hampson, Brian Jagde, Sumi Jo, and Ailyn Pérez. This unique week will be celebrated by a performance at the Eiffel Tower on April 17 and a closing concert at the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris on April 20.
 
Co-created in 2019 by Julia Lagahuzère, former Deputy Casting Director of the Opéra National de Paris, and led by Kamal Khan, Artistic and Musical Director, the Opera for Peace Academy provides emerging operatic talent with professional development with a clear mission: promoting international dialogue and social inclusion through opera. After the success of its first edition in Rome in 2022, and at a time when the world is more than ever witnessing new crises, Opera for Peace Academy intends this year to make the voices of peace resound in the French capital, with the support of committed partners (EIB, BNP Paribas Foundation, and the City of Paris, among others), within the framework of the twin cities connection between Paris and Rome.
 
Some of the artists attending this year’s Academy are from countries where their rights are directly threatened, such as Forooz Razavi, an Iranian soprano committed to women’s equality and freedom. Others, like Ukrainian bass-baritone Ihor Mostovoi and Armenian baritone Gagik Vardanyan, come from countries at war, or territories left disconnected from the opera scene, such as Axelle Saint Cirel, a young mezzo of Guadeloupean origin. All participants have indicated the desire to become ambassadors of their art and of peace, thanks to their talent, work, and other interests.
 
“Opera for Peace was born out of the observation that many talented and motivated singers fail because they come from disadvantaged backgrounds, from countries in difficulties, or because they lack the necessary codes and support. I am convinced that opera is only alive if it is open to the world, accessible to all and a driver of social inclusion. Therefore, we allow these emerging artists to perfect their skills with today’s greatest singers, to acquire more autonomy and to develop a real sense of belonging and values that they will in turn pass on. These artists will become citizen artists and true cultural leaders.” Julia Lagahuzère, co-founder and General Director of Opera for Peace
 
During this exceptional week, the artists will also participate in courses to learn how to move on stage, to craft their artistic profile, and to better share their stories via social media and other channels. They will also take part in a conference at Sciences Po Paris on April 13 with the theme: ‘Making other voices heard in our world.’ An overarching goal of the Academy is to enable the development of participants to become true “Citizen Artists,” making an impact not only on the opera industry, but also on their home countries and cultures.
 
 
PROGRAMME
 
(For Press & Media RSVPs please contact Jenna Wolf at jwolf@operaforpeace.org)
 
Conference « Making other voices heard in our world »
Thursday, April 13th – 5pm-7pm: Sciences Po Paris
 
Opening ceremony & Press Conference
Friday, April 14th – 10am-12pm: La Bibliothèque La Grange-Fleuret
 
Musical Event
Monday, April 17th – 7pm-11pm: Eiffel Tower – First floor
 
Closing Concert
Thursday, April 20th – 7pm: La Fondation Biermans-Lapôtre de la Cité internationale universitaire de Paris
 
 
2023 ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS
 
Maria Belén Rivarola, Argentina, soprano, Ópera Latinoamérica Scholarship
Raúl Gutiérrez, Mexico, tenor
Darius Tyree Jackson, USA, bass, Denyce Graves Foundation
Ihor Mostovoi, Ukraine, bass-baritone, Generation Opera Artist
Marta Pluda, Italy, mezzo-soprano, Thomas Hampson Scholarship
Matteo Ivan Rašić, Croatia / Austria, tenor, Rudolf Bruci Foundation Scholarship
Forooz Razavi, Iran, soprano, OfP Scholarship for an Iranian Artist
Axelle Saint Cirel, France Guadeloupe, mezzo-soprano, Voix des Outre-Mer
Oksana Sliubyk, Ukraine, soprano, Opera Europa Rolf Liebermann Scholarship
Lulama Taifasi, South Africa, tenor, OfP South African Scholarship
Gagik Vardanyan, Armenia, baritone
Nikita Volkov, Russia, bass
Nanami Yoneda, Japan, soprano, Opera Europa Eva Kleinitz Scholarship
 
 
OUR ACADEMY TEAM
 
Jeff Cohen, Daniel Cruz, Rosetta Cucchi, Kamal Khan, Julia Lagahuzère, Jenna Wolf
 
 
OUR PARTNERS
 
Banque européenne d’investissement, Fondation BNP Paribas, Ville de Paris, Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, Sciences Po Paris, Spencer Stuart, Jeito Capital, Institute for Economics & Peace, Opéra Comique, Voix des Outre-Mer, OperaVision, Opera Europa, Rudolf Bruci Foundation, Generation Opera, Ópera Latinoamérica, Hampsong Foundation, Denyce Graves Foundation, Rossini Opera Festival
 
 
PRESS CONTACTS
 
Jenna Wolf (Opera for Peace Press & Media)
jwolf@operaforpeace.org // +1 6364859689
 
Alexis Bétemps (France – local press for 2023 Academy)
alexis@2017.fr // + 33 (6) 86 30 04 76
 
 
OPERA FOR PEACE
 
Opera for Peace – Leading Voices of the World is a cultural movement for the lyric art form reflecting the reality of today’s globalized and diverse world, building an inclusive and creative future together through passion, determination and collaboration. We are the largest worldwide organization, working in six continents, serving as a reference for emerging singers: connecting, supporting, and promoting these outstanding artists through our network of Opera for Peace Partners, Advisors, Ambassadors, and Emerging Artists. Additionally, we focus on offering support and guidance to artists from disadvantaged backgrounds who don’t have ready access to career development and advancement opportunities, promoting social justice and equity. We focus in different strategic regions to offer local support, mentorship and empowerment, and most importantly, a way to connect to the wider global cultural community.